Roots

Another poem I wrote as an example for my students.

 

 I am from crab grass,

Green clippings begged from neighbors.

Planted and watered, tended

To make a lawn.

I am from coleus, fuschia and emerald,

From coxcomb, fuzzy and ticklish,

From zennias in the middle and

Hollyhocks in the back.

 

I am from Sunday School in pinafores,

From black patent Mary Janes,

From the Old Rugged Cross,

And Praise the Lord, Amen.

I am from Sunday solos in quavery voice,

From Vacation Bible School verses,

Learned and rewarded with plaster fruit,

And a zippered White Bible from Mama.

 

I am from Spic and Span,

From white gloves,

From scrub brushes

Used on hands and knees.

I am from the lumber business

And the bullwhip that cracked.

I am from a smoke house that burned

Taking everything with it.

 

I am from grandparents

Married in Mena, Arkansas,

From parents married in Texas

And buried there, too.

I am from sisters who were beautiful

When I wasn't,

And from brothers who were tall

To my short.

 

I am from farmers and lumbermen,

From native people and voyagers,

From canners and quilters,

And hard workers.

I am from memories and visions,

From Irish and Scots.

I am fulfillment

Of immigrant dreams.

Reviews

[Heavenly Scent]

A great evocative poem - I really enjoyed the images. Thanks and well done :)